I may be among the few who didn’t get pulled into the Downton Abbey phenomenon. I missed all six seasons of the television series, plus two follow-up feature films. But that didn’t stop me when my besties, who had been eagerly awaiting the final movie, included me in their plans for a Baxter Avenue Theater matinee for the third and final film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. I found the indulgent lifestyle of the “upstairs” families and the work and loyalty of the “downstairs” families to be delightful. The history, attire, and architecture were stunning.
It turns out that the Old Louisville neighborhood of St. James Court has its own example of a grand and lavish home (and stories of the families who inhabited it) in the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, constructed in 1895. Opulent and ornate, this 10,000-square-foot mansion, with its towers and Bedford limestone facade, earned the nickname of Caldwell’s Castle back in the day.
You can take a tour of the Caldwell-Conrad home, which is now a museum reflecting the furnishings and decor as it looked in 1908. Some pieces are original while others are replicas authentic to the time period during which the families lived in the home. It is open to the public for both self-guided and docent-led tours. Beginning in the downstairs parlor, up the grand staircase, through the library, the sitting room, the family bedrooms, office, billiard room, dining room, and more, visitors are treated to observing the great indulgences of families who lived and entertained during the Gilded Age.
If a tour of the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum leaves you wanting more, local author David Dominé daviddomine.com offers The Glitterball Walking Tour through Old Louisville with entertaining tales of local lore and intrigue. The Old Louisville Visitors Center (oldlouisville.org) also offers guided walking tours and seasonal events.
This weekend, from December 19-21 enjoy the warm glow of candlelight and holiday Victorian decor in this beautiful historic home. Click here to learn more about tours and tickets.
Story and photos by Patti Hartog
P.S. Still looking for gift ideas? Check out what we have compiled here.
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